[noname219]

Originally Posted by gold stinger

cover songs are someone's own interpretation of a previously existing work (like a remix), of which there are many in FFR whom we have permissions for, but not the original work.

As long as you're using the cover or remix, and not the original if we don't have permission for the original. Not to be mistaken with reproducing the original work.

There's of course an exception to this, the cover must keep the same lyrics. A translation for example while keeping the same arrangements would be deemed a substantial change (derivative work) and would require permission from the original copyright holder.

Remixes are something else, by law, you need to get permission from the copyright holder (and in our case, to use it in-game).

In the case of remixes, if we don't have permission from the original artist, *technically* we could receive cease and desist letters. There's some leeway since we are non-profit.

The key word here is "derivative work" :
a work based upon one or more preexisting works, such as a translation, musical arrangement, dramatization, fictionalization, motion picture version, sound recording, art reproduction, abridgment, condensation, or any other form in which a work may be recast, transformed, or adapted. A work consisting of editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or other modifications which, as a whole, represent an original work of authorship, is a "derivative work.